Have you ever successfully raised a social parasite? And if so how did you do it because I heard it was super difficult

Social parasites are different depending on the genus and species, and I've had multiple successes with both Lasius and Formica social parasites. Formica are easy, because they can open cocoons, although the raiding species are often dependent on their host workers over the long term.

I've started colonies of Formica aserva, Formica rubicunda, Lasius umbratus, Lasius subumbratus, and (waiting on the first workers) Lasius latipes.

There are quite a few social parasites in Texas, from multiple genera.

If you enjoy my expertise and identifications, please do not put wild populations at risk of disease by releasing pet colonies. We are responsible to give our pets the best care we can manage for the rest of their lives.

Have you ever successfully raised a social parasite? And if so how did you do it because I heard it was super difficult

Social parasites are different depending on the genus and species, and I've had multiple successes with both Lasius and Formica social parasites. Formica are easy, because they can open cocoons, although the raiding species are often dependent on their host workers over the long term.

I've started colonies of Formica aserva, Formica rubicunda, Lasius umbratus, Lasius subumbratus, and (waiting on the first workers) Lasius latipes.